LAS VEGAS – Saying he is “really starving to win’’, 7-foot Italian center Andre Bargnani believes he is joining a Knicks franchise that is destined to go far in the playoffs.

During a morning conference call, Bargnani sounded super excited about the change of scenery his trade from Toronto has brought. Bargnani even called his Raptors years “a weird experience.’’

Though Bargnani faced tons of pressure in Toronto because he was the No.1 overall pick, he will be under the microscope here because he’s essentially the Knicks’ marquee addition of summer. Still, at least he has Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith to take the load off.

“I’m not worried about second, third option,’’ Bargnani said this morning. “It’s all about winning here. Doing as much as possible. I’m really starving to win.

“I think we can play against anybody,’’ Bargnani added. “This team can go very far. I’m glad to be here. I just can’t wait to start.’’

And he couldn’t wait to be out of Canada.

“I had a weird experience in Toronto,’’ Bargnani said. “I had good years and the last couple of years were bad. When you lose there’s going to be frustration. I’m going to do as much as possible and everything I can to help this team win.’’

Bargnani played just 35 games last season because of wrist and elbow injuries, speeding up his departure. Knicks coach Mike Woodson said Bargnani needs to become a better rebounder. He’s averaged just 4.5 rebounds in his career.

“I got to get better in many aspects of the game,’’ Bargnani said. “I had so many injuries. Last year was tough for me. I’m looking forward to helping the team in many ways.’’

Bargnani was booed loudly in Toronto the past two seasons.

“It wasn’t easy,’’ Bargnani said. “Everyone was frustrated. There was a lot of frustration in Toronto because of the losing. When you’re the leading scorer of the team, you got all the pressure. They have their right to express their feelings.’’

Bargnani has no ill effects from last season’s ailments. He will begin training with the Italian National Team in August as it prepares for the European Championships Sept. 4.

“I’m 100 percent healthy now,’’ Bargnani said. “I’ll play with the national team this summer, training with the team and getting into shape. (The injuries) were a huge factor last year. It was really bad.’’

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The Knicks have 10 players under contract and have yet to sign a free agent from another club because of their precious little money available under the new CBA rules. Knicks GM Glen Grunwald said on a conference call he is confident he’ll still be able to add a couple more “good players.’’ Grunwald said he expects more players to be waived because of the new luxury tax penalties. The Knicks are hoping Metta World Peace becomes an amnesty cut and clears through waivers. Charlotte forward Tyrus Thomas was waived via amnesty Wednesday. Grunwald also added he may bring just 13 guaranteed contracts to training camp, leaving two spots open for an unknown find like Chris Copeland….Grunwald also said he thought there was a chance Copeland could be re-signed, feeling he wouldn’t get an offer greater than they could pay him. But Copeland got a two-year, $6 million deal with the Pacers. Still, Grunwald said the “core rotation players’’ are back except Steve Novak. Apparently Grunwald didn’t view Copeland as a “core rotation player.’’ … Knicks formally announced J.R. Smith’s signing. Grunwald called it “one of our primary goals this offseason.”